1/2" (12mm) acrylic's structural limits, bracing

[Andyroo]

Concrete in-wall build of 36" tall, 7'6" long and 17" wide: a little under 250USGal.
1/2" acrylic is available locally - is this a doable option?

If so, bracing thoughts/advice? Other clever engineering?
If so, thoughts on securing to masonry? eg. drill & screw? eg. epoxy? eg. angle-iron frame?

I've done plenty of home-builds, rebuilds & feel I "understand" glass, but I've not worked with acrylic before. Somehow I get the impression that it works like marine ply, but appreciate that this is very unlikely to be correct...

Thanks,

Andrew
PS/Note: specific and repeated thanks to Fishdance for tolerating this ongoing neurotic thesis to developing island materials availabilities & generally overthinking.

 

[Matteus]

Lepisosteus ElTofi

 

[Lepisosteus]

Not even close. 1.25” minimum

 

[Andyroo]

Fair enough, I'm back to glass for this build.
- any thoughts on lighting or other ways to mitigate the green without trebling price with low-iron?

For next build: what'd be the max dimensions for 1/2"?

 

[aotechs]

1/2" thick is used for 24" tall aquariums. 3/4" thick can be used for 30" heights with 1" being advised to minimize bowing. These guidelines are assuming proper bracing is used on the top panel. Extremely long aquariums may need additional material thickness to avoid bowing.

If I ever build or purchase a new aquarium, my next one will be a 30" height with 1" thick acrylic. My current aquarium has 3/4" front and rear panels that bow and distort the fish a little bit. It isn't a major issue though as most people do not notice.

 

[Lepisosteus]

3/4” low iron glass would do